Median Income
$44,722
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,800
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
31/100K
92% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.3%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$674
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Ava Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,978
Median Age36.5 yrs
Density897/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$44,722
Per Capita$27,956
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty6.5%
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,800
Rent$674
Ownership54.8%
Zillow$231,280
Housing Units1,164
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent31/100K
Property246/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured14.1%
Smoking21.1%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain48.5 in/yr
Elevation1,270 ft (387 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.3%
High School+84.7%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute17 min
Broadband80.6%
EV Stations3
Is Ava a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ava receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Ava has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ava is $44,722, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ava is $134,800, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $674 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ava is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 31 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 246 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
15.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Ava experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.5 inches, including 7.7 inches of snow.
Ava has a population of 2,978 with a density of 897 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 36.5 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (97.4%), with 2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 26.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,978
Total Population
2023 Census
36.5yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Ava is $44,722, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,956 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,722 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,956 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.7% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Ava is $134,800, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,280, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $674 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,164 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $134,800 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,280 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $674 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,164 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
In Ava, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.7% have high blood pressure. 21.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 32.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 14.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Ava vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.1% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.4% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 43.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.9% |
| Uninsured | 14.1% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 51.6% |
Food & Exercise
Ava has a violent crime rate of 31 per 100,000 residents, 92% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 246 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. Overall, Ava receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ava vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 30.8/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 246.4/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ava experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,270 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,270 ft (387 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 897/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9520°N, 92.6605°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Marion County Regional (FLP)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.5"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.60"
Earthquake History
30 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
149 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
102 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
96 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
94 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
71 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 |
15 km WSW of Marshall, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 |
9 km W of Alton, Missouri |
M3.0 |
107 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
71 km |
| Mar 12, 1990 |
9 km NNE of Briarcliff, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
75 km |
| May 6, 2018 |
5 km WNW of Smithville, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| Sep 5, 2013 |
17 km W of Dennard, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
6 km S of Yellville, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
88 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
12 km NE of Alton, Missouri |
M2.7 |
122 km |
| Nov 26, 1999 |
9 km NNE of Mountain Home, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
65 km |
| Jul 22, 2017 |
14 km SW of Mountain View, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Feb 14, 2019 |
11 km WSW of Mountain View, Missouri |
M2.6 |
75 km |
| Oct 8, 1996 |
18 km NNW of Ravenden Springs, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
38 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
457 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 35 fatalities, 613 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
59 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF4 |
58 km |
2 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF4 |
56 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
93 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
57 km |
3 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1985 |
EF3 |
86 km |
3 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
75 km |
2 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Dec 14, 1971 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
68 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEAD HORSE (10,389 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
DEAD HORSE |
10,389 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
LOWER WILD |
10,034 |
94 km |
| 2013 |
LOWER WILDERNESS RX |
8,699 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,931 |
31 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,686 |
35 km |
| 2010 |
BRUSHY/CLAYTON |
6,401 |
30 km |
| 2020 |
BIG CREEK |
6,399 |
35 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
55 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
BIG CREEK |
4,031 |
38 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
78 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
100 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
KINFOLK RD |
2,883 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
GOETZ |
2,615 |
41 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,569 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Ava has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 32°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.6") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Ava. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Ava
What is the population of Ava?
Ava has a population of 2,978 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 897 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Ava expensive to live in?
Ava is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $44,722, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,800 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $674 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ava safe?
Ava is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 31 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 246 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ava receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ava?
Ava has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 48.5 inches, with 7.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Ava?
The unemployment rate in Ava is 6.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ava?
The median home value in Ava is $134,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,280. For renters, the median monthly rent is $674. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.8%.
How are the schools in Ava?
Schools in Ava score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.3% of adults in Ava hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.7% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ava?
The obesity rate in Ava is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.1% of adults are smokers. 32.4% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 14.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Ava?
The average commute in Ava is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ava?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ava is 97.4% White, 2% Black or African American. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 26.3% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.